Manufacturing Tomorrow

Today’s guest is Jason Corso, co-founder and Chief Science Officer at Voxel51 and professor of Robotics and Electrical Engineering & Computer Science at the University of Michigan. With over 20 years of experience in computer vision and nearly 150 published papers, Jason has been a driving force in advancing AI tools that have become increasingly relevant to manufacturing.  Voxel51 helps manufacturers bring visual AI applications from concept to the production floor—powering solutions for defect detection, predictive maintenance, and quality assurance. In this episode, we’ll dive into what it really takes to implement computer vision systems in manufacturing environments, from managing messy real-world data to unlocking smarter, more efficient operations through AI.  Jason graduated with honors in Computer Science from Loyola College and earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in Computer Science from Johns Hopkins University.

Dan Konstantinovsky is strategy director at RH Blake, a marketing agency specializing in the manufacturing sector. Dan shares insights from RH Blake’s latest research on industrial thought leadership and discusses how manufacturers can stand out through digital strategy, content marketing, and data-driven storytelling. From building trust in long sales cycles to reshaping public perception of the industry, this episode explores how smart marketing is transforming the future of manufacturing. Dan also weighs in on emerging technologies, including AI’s role in driving engagement and growth. Prior to joining RH Blake, Dan held marketing leadership roles at industrial and B2B technology companies, such as Terex, HD Supply, and ABB, where he developed go-to-market strategies and digital engagement initiatives. He holds an MBA in marketing from Kent State University Graduate School of Management and a bachelor’s degree in transportation and logistics from The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business. Keywords: manufacturing thought leadership, AI in B2B industrial marketing, content marketing for workforce development

In this episode of MFG TMW, we sit down with Melanie Hellwig-White, CEO and owner of Hellwig Suspension Products, a certified woman-owned business known for its cutting-edge suspension solutions for the automotive and RV industries. Under Melanie’s leadership, the company has honored its 79-year legacy while embracing innovation, modernization, and sustainability. A champion for women in manufacturing and the automotive sector, Melanie has spent over 20 years at Hellwig, spearheading initiatives that drive industry progress. As chair-elect of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)—the world’s largest automotive business association—she is set to shape the future of the industry in a historic leadership role. Join us as we discuss her vision for SEMA, the evolution of Hellwig Suspension Products, key trends in the automotive and RV markets, and the critical role of advancing workforce development initiatives in manufacturing. Keywords: SEMA, suspension technology, automotive industry trends, manufacturing workforce development, automotive aftermarket

Hank Holland, CEO of Amaero International, is a leading force in reshoring and expanding U.S. production of titanium alloy powders. Under Hank’s leadership, Amaero has established the nation’s largest capacity for producing these critical materials, strengthening U.S. manufacturing resiliency through advanced manufacturing and additive technologies. In 2023, Hank led a transformative $55 million investment to build Amaero’s R&D and manufacturing headquarters—a cutting-edge 100,000-square-foot facility in the Tennessee Valley. With a recent long-term supply agreement with The Perryman Company, Amaero is now at the forefront of scalable domestic production of premium refractory and advanced alloy powders.  Before taking the helm at Amaero, Hank founded Pegasus Growth Capital and played a pivotal role at LogicSource. Hank holds a master’s degree in agricultural sciences from Colorado State University and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Southern Methodist University. 

Mariana Cogan is chief marketing officer at Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, a global leader in manufacturing technologies. The company offers precision measurement systems, software, and automation solutions to optimize operations and ensure product quality in manufacturing processes. Before joining Hexagon, Mariana held key positions in various organizations, including People.ai, PTC, and MathWorks, where she successfully implemented marketing strategies that improved customer engagement and accelerated business development. Mariana is passionate about leveraging data-driven insights to create compelling marketing narratives and promote solutions that optimize manufacturers’ operations.   She has developed hard-earned insights on reshaping manufacturing’s image to appeal to younger workers, dismantling barriers for underrepresented groups, and the importance of mentorship in building a more inclusive workforce.  Keywords: talent shortage, Gen Z workforce, women in manufacturing, mentorship. Hexagon, Ohio Manufacturing Institute, Ohio State

Marki Huston serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Viega, a global leader in the manufacturing of pipe fittings and valves for the plumbing and heating industry. Viega is currently building a cutting-edge 220,000 sq ft facility in Northeast Ohio, set to open in 2025. This new facility reflects the company’s strong commitment to clean manufacturing, as it will be 100% carbon neutral from the first day of operation. As COO, Marki is responsible for overseeing Viega’s manufacturing operations and Technology Hub. She joined Viega in 2022, bringing with her over 20 years of global manufacturing experience in the aircraft industry, including with Spirit AeroSystems and at Cessna. Marki is also an active member of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and serves on the advisory board for the Department of Industrial Engineering at Wichita State University.  Marki holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Wichita State, a Six Sigma Black Belt certification from Newman University, and a materials management certification from The Ohio State University. Keywords: sustainable manufacturing, Industry 4.0, pipe fittings and valves

Join us as we dive into a conversation with Berk Birand, co-founder and CEO of Fero Labs, a leader in advancing manufacturing efficiency and sustainability through cutting-edge technology. Under Berk’s leadership, Fero Labs has revolutionized industrial operations by integrating data science with manufacturing processes using their Augmented Intelligence Platform. Before Fero Labs, Berk co-founded Tuuum Inc and founded UhuruPacs, playing a pivotal role in guiding large industrial companies on their digital transformation journeys with machine learning. Berk holds a PhD in electrical engineering from Columbia University, where he was also an IBM PhD Fellow. He’s an innovator with multiple patents in IoT systems for resilient fiber-optic networks. Keywords: future of manufacturing, digital transformation, Industry 4.0, AI’s role in industry